Collecting bag

ABSTRACT

A collecting bag for the collection of excretions from various body openings, both natural and surgical in nature, is disclosed. The collecting bag includes an inflatable collar which is inserted into a body opening prior to inflation, and which is then inflated in order to firmly anchor itself within that opening and prevent its inadvertent removal therefrom. Means are provided for inflating the collar from a point external the body. The inflating means comprises a channel located within the interior of the bag itself. Additional channel means is provided within the interior of the bag itself for use in the application of an enema.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 265,343, filed onJune 22, 1972, now abandoned, for a FECAL BAG, in the names of MichaelC. Ritota and Louis P. Mancini.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has long been recognized that there are many patients in hospitals,nursing homes, and other such institutions, as well as invalided,deformed or crippled persons who are not toilet-trained or whose bowelmovements or defecation function are involuntary and uncontrolled sothat their feces cannot be contained or retained. Furthermore, there aremany patients who have, as a result of various diseases, required theperformance of an ostomy, whereby an exit for the feces is createdbefore it reaches the rectum. This exit, known as a stoma, thereforerequires a collecting bag for use to collect feces exiting therefrom.

In addition, there are many female patients who have suffered variousbladder infections, who have required the insertion of various tubes andother such means for collecting urine directly from their bladders.

In each of these cases these unfortunate conditions exist for a varietyof known reasons, and each is not only of great inconvenience to thepatient or persons who suffer from them, but additionally present manyproblems such as unpleasant odors, unsanitary conditions, increasednursing care, and generally extreme discomfort to the patient.

Various devices have been developed in each of these situations in orderto act as collecting bags for the excretions connected with each of thebody openings discussed above. Thus, in the case of a fecal bag, U.S.Pat. No. 3,548,828 reveals a collecting appliance used in paraplegic andother bowel incontinent persons. This device, besides being impossibleto produce commercially, suffers from many other serious shortcomings.Thus, the device of U.S. Pat. No. 3,548,828 cannot be inserted into theanus without causing extreme irritation to the patient, particularlysince it does not present a smooth and regular surface to the bodyopening. In addition, this device suffers from other serious defects,such as leakage, etc. since it does not provide a smooth and/orcontinuous surface between the anchoring means 6 and the collecting bag38. As can be seen clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4 of this patent, this devicealso requires that the patient have functioning sphincter muscles, andis adapted to contain an inflatable and deflatable adaptor means 12,quite apart from its anchoring means 6, which is inflated only duringuse, when the bag 38 is attached thereto, and which is deflated andclosed by the functioning rectal sphincter muscles when the bag isremoved and cap 36 is attached thereto. These difficulties which preventthe utilization of this device for patients who have completely lostcontrol of these muscles, in addition to the extreme irritation causedby the neither smooth nor continuous outer surface of this device,particularly in view of tubes 22 and 19 which are used for inflation ofits two inflatable portions, have rendered such devices totally useless.

Furthermore, the construction of these prior art devices have requiredthe application of various adhesives in order to complete same, and theuse of such materials in connection with such devices for insertion intothe human body has been strictly forbidden by the Food and DrugAdministration.

As for those patients who have had colostomies and require collection offecal matter from a stoma, in the past this has been done by theadhesive attachment of various bags to the external surface of thestoma. These devices have therefore also resulted in seriousconsequences, including irritation and ulceration of the skin surface.

In connection with the collection of urine directly from a femalebladder, this has, in the past, required the insertion of variousdevices directly into the bladder, and this has caused serious bladderinfections. Specifically, the most commonly employed prior art devicehas included inflatable means for insertion directly into the bladder,and tubular means for removing urine therefrom. Again, insertion of anyforeign matter into the bladder itself has consistently resulted inserious bladder infections.

In connection with the application of enemas, such as barium enemas,this has in the past been extremely difficult, particularly withincontinent patients who cannot control or prevent the release of bariummaterial prematurely.

Therefore, in each of these cases, there has been an extreme and urgentneed for the development of a collecting bag which overcomes thesedifficulties.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide acollecting bag which overcomes these and other problems associated witheach of these prior art devices.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such acollecting bag which is both sanitary and easily disposable, and whichis relatively simple to use and sufficiently cheap to manufacture inorder to meet the single use, throw-away concept of modern day medicine.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acollecting bag which may be used continuously, and for long periods oftime, without irritation to the body opening.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acollecting bag which can be easily replaced by relatively untrainedindividuals, without pain or other such difficulties to the patient, andwhich can be periodically inserted and removed without causing undueirritation or infection.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acollecting bag which may be inserted into a stoma and employed by ostomypatients, with all of the above-noted advantages.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acollecting bag which may be employed by females for insertion into theurethra for collection of urine therefrom.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acollecting bag which helps to eliminate odors and other suchdifficulties resulting from leakage associated with the involuntary anduncontrolled expelling of feces by such patients.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acollecting bag which eliminates the transmission of bacteria andbacterial infections, and which can be used in connection with theanalysis of excretions from various body openings.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acollecting bag which may be used as a fecal bag even where thedefecation function of the rectal or sphincter muscles has beencompletely lost due to local disease, local inflammatory disease as inthe case of typhoid, cholera or dysentery, central nervous systemdefects or disorders, or other reasons whereby there is still sufficientrigidity in the wall of the rectal ampulla to offer support for anystructure inserted for engagement therewith.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acollecting bag which may also be adapted to be used for the provision ofan enema, such as a barium enema, again with all of the above-notedadvantages.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a methodfor manufacturing each of the above-noted collecting bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention a collecting bag is providedfor use in the continuous collection of excretions from various bodyopenings, including an inflatable collar having an inner diameter and anouter diameter, an elongated tubular member attached to the innerdiameter of the inflatable collar, bag means connected to the end of theelongated tubular member remote from the inflatable collar, so that thebag means is disposed exterior to the body opening upon insertion of theinflatable collar into the body opening, means for inflating the collarfrom a point external to said body opening when the inflatable collarhas been inserted in the body opening, and channel means connecting themeans for inflating the inflatable collar to the inflatable collar,whereby the channel means is located within the interior of the bagmeans and of the elongated tubular member so that the channel means doesnot contact the body opening upon insertion of the inflatable collarinto the body opening.

In one embodiment of the present invention wherein the collecting bag isto be used as a fecal bag, the inflatable collar is prepared in a mannerso that upon inflation and expansion thereof frictional engagement withthe ampulla wall of the rectum is provided to hold the fecal bagtherein, so that the elongated tubular member extends through the anus,such that the bag means is located exterior thereto. Thus, the elongatedtubular member forms a continuous channel from the inflatable collar tothe bag means so that there is no leakage of any of the fecal matter tobe collected during use thereof.

In another embodiment, where the collecting bag is to be employed forinsertion into a stoma, the inflatable collar will be of a length sothat upon inflation a firm anchorage upon the surface of the colon isobtained. Additionally, in this embodiment, the elongated tubular memberwill be of a sufficient length to extend from the stoma to the bag meansexterior thereto.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, when the collectingbag of this invention is to be used as a urine collecting bag forfemales, the elongated tubular member will include a projecting tubularmember which will be inserted into the urethra upon insertion of theinflatable collar into the vagina.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, a method formanufacturing such a collecting bag comprising an inflatable collar anda bag means including an elongated tubular member is provided, whereinthe collecting bag includes a smooth, continuous outer surface, and doesnot require the application of any adhesive in its construction,comprising preparing an inflatable collar by heat-sealing a firstportion of said inflatable collar to a second portion of said inflatablecollar, and attaching the inflatable collar to the bag means includingan elongated tubular member by heat-sealing the end of said tubularmember remote from said bag means to the inner diameter of saidinflatable collar. Preferably, the bag means including an elongatedtubular member will include an internal channel or keyway attached to aninflating means at the remote end of said bag means from said elongatedtubular member, and a tubular conduit will be heatsealed to the upperportion of said inflatable collar for attachment to said keyway thusproviding a channel for inflating and deflating the inflatable collarwith air or a suitable liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of a collectingbag of the present invention employed as a fecal bag, illustrated inassembled position in the rectum of a patient;

FIG. 2 is a side sectional elevational view of a collecting bag of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a top elevational sectional view taken along section 3--3 ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational partially sectional view showing manualinsertion of the deflated inflatable collar of the collecting bag of thepresent invention into the rectum;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a first portion of the inflatable collar of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a second portion of the inflatable collar ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of the first and second portions of theinflatable collar of the present invention in sealed relationship;

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of the inverted inflatable collar of FIG.7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, of the bagportion of a collecting bag of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional side view of an inflatable collar of thecollecting bag of the present invention; in deflated orientation;

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional side view of an inflatable collar of thecollecting bag of the present invention, in inflated orientation;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of another form of acollecting bag of the present invention inserted into a vagina and abladder; and

FIG. 13 is a partial elevational view of another collecting bag of thepresent invention shown inserted in assembled position in a stoma.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like portionsthereof, FIG. 1 shows a fecal bag of the present invention assembled andinserted into the patient's rectum. The configuration of the rectumgenerally designated R of the patient includes the anal opening or anus1 provided with rectal or sphincter muscle generally designated 2 whichin normal operation acts to hold the rectum closed. Inwardly of the anusthe rectal passage 3 forms an enlarged space or ampulla 4 and thenextends further into the body for connection to the end of the largeintestine (not shown).

While the ampulla 4 of the rectal passage 3 is enlarged the wall thereofhas sufficient rigidity, even where a complete loss of control of thesphincter muscle 2 has occurred, to permit frictional engagementtherewith of a fecal bag device in accordance with the presentinvention, to be fully described below. In addition, since thecollecting bag of this invention provides a smooth, continuous outersurface, particularly with respect to that portion thereof which isinserted with the rectum R, there is no irritation whatsoever betweenthe collecting bag and the anus 1 of other portions of the rectum R.

Thus, referring to FIG. 2, a collecting bag, which in this drawing maybe the fecal bag shown in FIG. 1, is generally designated 10, andgenerally has a unitary construction. The fecal bag 10 thus includes aninsertable section 11 and a collecting section 12.

The insertable section 11 consists of an elongated tubular member 13,which, as shown in FIG. 1, will have a length sufficient to permit aportion thereof to extend external of the rectum when the insertablesection 11 is disposed in assembled position, as shown in FIG. 1. Theelongated tubular member 13 is preferably made of a medically approved,thin, pliable material such as a medically approved plastic, in the formof films of up to 8 mils or sheets of greater thicknesses, and havingsufficient stiffness or sufficient strength to permit the insertablesection to be passed through the anal opening into the rectum either bymanual insertion as by squeezing the elongated neck together asillustrated in FIG. 4, or by means of some suitable insertioninstrument. The ease of insertion may thus be facilitated by lubricants,oils or vaseline, or any other similar type substances which have noadverse effects upon the patient.

Materials which are presently medically approved include variousplastics, as well as certain silicon compounds, such as the product soldon the open market under the trademark SILASTIC S-2000. Of the medicallyapproved plastics, urethane and polyvinylchloride (PVC) are preferred,with PVC being most preferred.

In the case of the fecal bag shown in FIG. 2, the diameter of theelongated tubular member 13 will be in the range of from about 1 inch toabout 11/2 inches, which is the approximate maximum degree to which theanus will expand under normal pressure or under conditions where controlof the rectal sphincter muscles has been completely lost. The length ofthe elongated tubular member will generally be in a range from about21/2 inches to about 4 inches, with an average length of about 3 inches.

The significance of this diameter and length is noted because theelongated tubular member 13 forms a connecting passage between the bagor collecting means 12 and the inflatable collar, generally designated21.

The inflatable collar 21 itself, as can best be seen in FIGS. 2, 10 and11, includes a first annular portion 50, and a second portion 51including an annular portion 52, and a flangelike portion 53 whichbecomes substantially perpendicular to the annular portion 52 uponinflation, as shown in FIG. 11, thus forming a cup-like member about aninner aperture 49. These two portions are heat-sealed together atheat-sealed joint 54 in order to form the inflatable collar, as will bediscussed in more detail below with respect to the method ofmanufacturing the collecting bag of the present invention. Thus, sincethe annular portion 50 includes an inner diameter 56 and an outerdiameter 58, and the second portion 51 of the inflatable collar 20includes an inner diameter 57, upon heat-sealing of the substantiallycoextensive inner diameters 56 and 57 together, as shown at 59, anannular space 60 is formed, which annular space may now be inflated.

The collecting section 12 of the collecting bag of the present inventionincludes a bag portion 15 and the elongated tubular member 13. At theend of the elongated tubular member 13 remote from the bag 15 theinflatable collar 21 is attached. This is accomplished by means of heatseals at circular flange 16 (see FIG. 9) thus sealing the ends 58 and 53of the first member 50 and the second member 52 of the inflatable collar21 to the annular flange 16, at 59. In this manner a smooth, continuousouter surface is provided from the inflatable collar 21, which isinserted into the body opening such as the anus, through the elongatedtubular member 13, which extends into that body opening, and finally tothe bag 15 which is located external from the body opening.

In order to pass any liquid, air or other gas to or from the annularspace 60 within the inflatable collar 21, for the purpose of inflatingsame, a conduit is provided. Thus, keyway 18 is provided within theinterior of the collecting section 12, running from the upper portion ofthe elongated tubular member 13 along the inner wall of the collectingsection 12, through bag 15, along its inner wall, as shown in FIGS. 2and 3. The upper portion of keyway 18 ends in opening 19, into which isinserted tubular connector 20. The inflatable collar 21 is provided withan opening 22 to which is heat-sealed tubular conduit 23. The tubularconnector 20 is inserted into the opposite end of tubular conduit 23from that end which is heat-sealed to the opening 22 in the inflatablecollar 21, so that a continuous closed passage is provided from theannular space 60 of the inflatable collar 21 through tubular conduit 23,tubular connector 20, and keyway 18, to the remote portion of bag 15.The outer diameter of tubular connector 20 must therefore be slightlysmaller than the inner diameter of tubular conduit 23, so that it canfit snugly and permanently therein. At the bottom of bag 15 is provideda suitable bi-directional control valve means generally designated 24which is thus readily available at a location exterior of the bodyopening when the collecting bag is in the assembled position, such as inthe rectum as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Most significantly, thisentire apparatus which provided for the inflation and deflation ofinflatable collar 21 is provided in a manner such that the smoothcontinuous outer surface of the collecting bag 10 is uneffected, so thatthere is no contact whatsoever between the body opening, such as anus 1,and the means for inflating and deflating inflatable collar 21,including channel or keyway 18.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an embodiment of the collecting bag of thepresent invention for use by patients who have had an ostomy, and whotherefore now possess a stoma, is shown. In this embodiment, the mainfeatures of the collecting bag as described above with reference to afecal bag for insertion in the anus are identical. However, for use inthis application, it is necessary to modify the collecting bag, such asby altering the actual dimensions of inflatable collar 21 and elongatedtubular member 13, in order to fit the particular circumstances of thisuse. Generally, a somewhat longer inflatable collar 21 is provided inconnection with this application, since somewhat greater holding powermay be required.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 13, in the situation where the patient hasundergone a colostomy, and has been provided with a stoma 32, in hisabdomen 33, which now functions as a replacement for his rectum, itagain becomes necessary to attach a collecting bag in order toaccomplish the results described above. As is shown in FIG. 13, thecollecting bag of the present invention is inserted through the stoma 32prior to inflation, and upon inflation of the inflatable collar 21therewithin, the wall of the colon 34 is expanded at the point ofcontact with the inflatable collar 21 so that the collecting bag isfirmly anchored within the stoma 32. The elongated tubular member 13thus extends from the stoma and the bag itself is fully exteriorthereto. Again, a smooth unbroken surface is presented to the wall ofthe stoma and through the abdomen 33 so that no irritation whatsoever iscaused thereupon. Again, the means for inflation of the inflatablecollar 21 includes keyway 18 which is furnished along the inner wall ofthe elongated tubular member 13 and the bag 15, attached to valve member24 at its end remote from the body opening or stoma 32, and to theinflatable collar in the manner shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and describedabove, at its other end within the body opening. As can also be seen inFIG. 13, the bag portion 15 itself is of a somewhat shorter, wider shapein this case, again merely for purposes of convenience to the patient,etc.

An additional embodiment of the present invention is also shown in FIG.13, and includes an additional keyway 35. While this embodiment will nowbe discussed, it should be noted that while it is only shown inconjunction with the collecting bag for use in conjunction with a stoma,it is fully applicable to the fecal bag described above. Thisembodiment, including keyway 35 disposed within the collecting bag alongthe inner surface of the elongated tubular member 13 and the bag 15,provides for the application of an enema through the collecting bag ofthe present invention without interfering with its primary purpose asdescribed herein, and with ease and speed. The keyway 35 thus terminatesin a one-directional valve 36 which may thus be connected to an enemadispensing bag. Thus, for example in the application of a barium enema,the barium liquid contained in a dispensing bag is attached to valve 36and applied therethrough, generally by gravity feed. At the end of thekeyway 35 remote from this valve 36, a simple tubular opening 37 isprovided within the end of the elongated tubular member adjacent theinflatable collar 21 so that the liquid is directed directly into thecolon 34. It should also be understood that in place of keyway 35 asimple tube means may be provided within the collecting bag. At thispoint the elongated tubular member 13 of the collecting bag may be tiedoff, and in the case of a barium enema, the necessary X-rays, etc. maybe taken. The tied-off portion may then be released, permitting thebarium, or other enemator, to flow into the collecting bag.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 12hereof. In this embodiment, all of the essential features of thecollecting bag described above are again included herein, including theinflatable collar 21, elongated tubular member 12, and the collectingbag itself. While each of these is thus identical in principal to thatdescribed above, the actual function of this collecting bag is somewhatdifferent. Also, the inflatable collar and bag may again be somewhatmodified in shape or design, such as by further lengthening theinflatable collar 21 for firmer anchorage, etc. Thus, in this case,while the deflated collar and elongated tubular member are inserted intothe vagina 38 upon inflation the purpose of this insertion is merely forsuch anchoring, and not for any actual collection of excretions throughthe opening 17 into the elongated tubular member 13, as is the case inthe collecting bags described heretofore. Although the bag 15 itself isused for collecting urine, collection occurs through a separatesemi-rigid tubular member 39 which is attached through an opening 40 inthe elongated tubular member 13. In this manner, the semi-rigid tubularmember 39 projects from the elongated tubular member 13 a substantialdistance into the urethra 41, so that it can now collect any urinedischarged from the bladder 42, without actually entering the bladder42. This material then passes through the semi-rigid tubular member 39into the collecting bag. In this manner, where such collection becomesnecessary due to local infection, etc., collection is accomplishedwithout causing greater infection or irritation, in a simple andexpedient manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 9, the method of the manufacture ofcollecting bag of the present invention will now be described. Thismethod of manufacture thus results in the preparation of a collectingbag having a smooth, continuous outer surface, and one which does notrequire the application of any adhesive in order to construct same. Thelatter factor is of extreme significance in these medical applicationssince the appropriate government authorities will not permit suchdevices to result in the insertion of any adhesive joints into any ofthe body openings in question. Throughout this description it should berealized that the entire collecting bag, including all of its componentswill preferably be prepared from a thin, medically approved pliableplastic material, such as PVC or urethane plastics, and preferably thesematerials will be greater than 8 mils thick, such as from 8 to 12 milsthick. Referring specifically to FIG. 5, a first portion 50 of theinflatable collar of the collecting bag of the present invention isinitially provided. This first portion comprises an annular disc,including an opening 44 therethrough, which will eventually act as theentrance port for collecting the excretion associated with theparticular body opening with which the specific collecting bag to bemanufactured is to be used. This first annular portion 50 of theinflatable collar 21 thus includes an inner diameter 56 and an outerdiameter 58, and may itself be prepared by application of a dye upon aflat film or sheet of the plastic material. The initial step in thepreparation of the collecting bag of this invention thus comprises theapplication of a tubular conduit 23 to this first annular portion 50.This application of the tubular conduit 23 is accomplished byheat-sealing the end of tubular conduit 23 to one surface of thisannular disc 50, as shown in FIG. 5, and by providing an opening 22 atthe point of application, between the inner diameter 56 and the outerdiameter 58 of the first portion 50 of inflatable collar 21. A secondportion 52 of the inflatable collar 21 is shown in FIG. 6. This portiongenerally comprises an annular disc portion 52 and a transverse flangeportion 47 extending perpendicularly from the outer diameter thereof.This second portion 52 of the inflatable collar 12 thus is of a dishshape, including a circular opening 49 therein corresponding to theopening 44 in the first portion 50 of the inflatable collar. This secondportion 52 itself is prepared from a flat sheet of the plastic materialto be employed by vacuum forming this portion 52 into the shape shown inFIG. 6 employing male and female dye portions which are applied againstthe slightly heat softened plastic material. In order to prepare theinflatable collar 21 the first portion 50 and the second portion 51 arejoined together by merely placing the first portion 50 upon the outerrim 53 of the transverse portion 47 of the second portion 52 andheat-sealing the outer diameter 58 of the first portion 50 to the outerflange 53 of the second portion 51, in order to prepare the inflatablecollar as shown in FIG. 7. The heatsealed joint is thus shown as 54 inthat Figure. Subsequently, the entire inflatable collar 21 as shown inFIG. 7 is inverted, into the position shown in FIG. 8. In this mannerthe heatsealed joint 54, which may now be trimmed, is now located withinthe interior of the inflatable collar, as shown in FIG. 8, and thetubular conduit 23 is located on the exterior of the upper surfacethereof. It can now be seen that the final inflatable collar, includingannular space 60, may be prepared by heat-sealing together thecorresponding inner diameters 57 and 58, into the configuration shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, where this heat-sealed portion is shown at 59. There isthus provided a completely closed annular collar, including an entranceport 22 connected to conduit 21 for the injection of air or suitableliquid for inflation of the collar. The last step, however, ispreferably accomplished at the same time that the inflatable collar 21is applied to the remaining portion of the collecting bag 15, asdiscussed below.

The remaining portion of the collecting bag of the present invention, asshown in FIG. 9, includes the bag portion 15 and the elongated tubularmember 13. While the elongated tubular member 13 is shown as conical inshape in FIG. 9, it also may be cylindrical, as this shape is merely amatter of choice, depending on the particular circumstances and userequired. This portion of the collecting bag of the present inventionmay itself be prepared from two flat films or sheets of plastic materialto be employed. These two sheets are laid side by side, and appropriatedyes are applied to the surface thereof. The dyes heat-seal the two flatsheets together in the shape of the bag which is desired. In addition,the keyway 18 may also be applied to the inside of the bag at the sametime by applying an additional heat seal along the inner wall of keyway18, so that the keyway itself is provided between this inner heat sealand the outer heat seal of the bag itself. The keyway 18 thus extendsalmost to the end of the elongated tubular member 13. Furthermore, atthis point, it is preferred to heat-seal only the two side portions ofthe collecting bag 15, leaving the bottom portion 65 open and unsealed.Further, a packet 66 may also be formed at the bottom end 65 of thecollecting bag 15 at this point, for subsequent insertion of valve 24thereinto. In addition, tubular conduit 20 may now be attached toopening 19 at the end of keyway 18 adjacent the open end 17 of theelongated tubular member 13. In order to finally prepare the finishedcollecting bag, the inflatable collar as shown in FIG. 8 is placed atopthe end of the elongated tubular member 13, upon flange 16, and thethree corresponding circular portions, represented by flange 16, andinner diameters 57 and 58, are heat sealed together as shown in FIGS. 10and 11, at 59. The actual heat sealing of the inflatable collar 21 tothe elongated tubular member 13 of bag 15 may thus be accomplished byplacing the entire bag as shown in FIG. 9 over a dye or mandrel, throughthe open end at the bottom 65 of the bag. The end at flange 16 of theelongated tubular member 13 is thus draped over the end of the mandrel ashort distance, and the inflatable collar 21 in the condition shown inFIG. 8 may thus be applied directly to that flange by heat sealingthereto in the manner described above. In order to finalize the bag itis therefore only necessary to close off the bottom 65 of the bag 15 byheat sealing the two sheets of plastic together at that point along thebottom edge thereof, and then inserting valve 24 into pocket 66preformed during the initial heat-sealing of the two flat sheet ofplastic into the bag 15 itself. Finally, tubular member 20 may beinserted into tubular conduit 23, thus completing the closed connectionbetween the annular chamber 60 of the inflatable collar 21 throughkeyway 18 to valve 24.

A unitary continuous collecting bag, having a smooth continuous outersurface, including means for inflating and deflating the inflatablecollar, which is entirely enclosed within the collecting bag, is thusprovided.

It should also be understood that while the form of the invention shownin the drawings has such a unitary construction, it is also possible toprovide a detachable collecting section, so that the inflatable collarand the upper portion of the elongated tubular member 13 may bein-dwelling, and the collecting section, including the bag 15 and thelower portion of the elongated tubular member 13 may be removable andreplaceable. In this form of the invention, the construction isidentical. In this construction, the two-piece form of the collectingbag includes a divided elongated tubular member, such that the upperportion thereof is provided with a connecting member, which cooperateswith a connecting member similarly attached to the lower portion of theelongated tubular member, including the bag 15. This may be accomplishedby means of mating surfaces, such as a shoulder, or an outer flange.

The collecting bag of this invention may also be provided with a tie-offmeans which merely includes a string, tape or other means so that uponremoval of the collecting bag the elongated tubular member may be sealedoff for sanitary purposes. Although the use of the collecting bag ofthis invention will now be obvious from the above description, simplereference is made to typical usage of same. Thus, particularly referringto FIG. 4 hereof, the end of the elongated tubular member, including thedeflated inflatable collar 21, is squeezed together, particularlybecause of its preparation from a suitable pliable material, andmanually grasped as shown by the hand in FIG. 4. After suitablelubrication this insertable section may thus be inserted into the bodyopening, such as the rectum shown in FIG. 4. This section is then movedinto the rectum until the inlet opening of the elongated tubular member13 lies closely adjacent to the inner wall of the ampulla of the rectum.When the collecting bag is in this position any suitable liquid orgaseous means is connected to the valve 24 as shown by connecting means48 in FIG. 9, and the inflatable collar is inflated. As the inflatablecollar 21 expands it presses against the wall of the ampulla, andbecomes firmly anchored therewithin, irrespective of the condition ofthe sphincter muscles 2.

The collecting bag may thus remain in position until it is desired toremove the device from the patient, and at that time by manipulating thevalve, the water, air or other gas in the inflatable collar 21 can beallowed to escape, and since nothing now holds the collecting bag in theassembled position in the rectum, the fecal bag can be easily removed bysliding it therefrom.

The foregoing is considered as merely illustrative of the principals ofthe present invention. Changes and alterations will readily occur tothose skilled in this art from the above disclosure, and it is thereforenot desired to limit the invention to the exact construction describedand all suitable modifications and equivalents are deemed to be coveredby the scope of the invention as now claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A collecting bag for use in the collection ofexcretions from body openings, comprisinga. an inflatable collar forinsertion into said body opening, said inflatable collar including aninner surface and an outer surface, thereby forming a closed annularspace between said inner and outer surfaces, b. a continuous elongatedtubular member having a first end and a second end, said first end beingsealingly attached to said inner surface of said inflatable collar, sothat the inner surface of said inflatable collar is attached to aportion of the continuous surface of said elongated tubular member, c.bag means associated with the second end of said elongated tubularmember remote from said inflatable collar, so that said bag means isdisposed exterior to said body opening upon insertion of said inflatablecollar into said body opening, d. means for inflating said collar from apoint external to said body opening when said inflatable collar has beeninserted into said body opening, and e. channel means for connectingsaid means for inflating said inflatable collar, the channel means beinglocated along the interior of said bag means and said elongated tubularmember so that said channel means does not contact said body openingupon insertion of said inflatable collar into said body opening.
 2. Thecollecting bag of claim 1 in which said elongated tubular member forms acontinuous channel from said inflatable collar to said bag means so thatthere is no leakage of said excretions from said body opening duringuse.
 3. The collecting bag of claim 1 wherein said channel meanscomprises a keyway located along the inner wall of said bag means andsaid elongated tubular member.
 4. The collecting bag of claim 1including means for providing an enema through the interior of said bagmeans and said elongated tubular member.
 5. The collecting bag of claim4 wherein said means for providing said enema comprises channel meanslocated along the interior of said bag means and said elongated tubularmember, and includes valve means connected to the end of said channelmeans remote from said inflatable collar.
 6. The collecting bag of claim1 prepared from a thin, medically approved pliable material.
 7. Thecollecting bag of claim 6 wherein said pliable material comprises aplastic selected from the group consisting of polyvinylchloride andurethane.
 8. The collecting bag of claim 1 including a semi-rigidcollecting tube projecting from said elongated tubular member.
 9. Thecollecting bag of claim 1 wherein said inflatable collar comrpises afirst annular member having an inner and outer diameter and a secondannular member having an inner and outer diameter, said inner diameterof said first annular member and said inner diameter of said secondannular member being sealingly attached, and said outer diameter of saidfirst annualr member and said outer diameter of said second annularmember being sealingly attached, thus forming said closed annular spacetherebetween.
 10. The collecting bag of claim 9 wherein said means forinflating said inflatable collar includes a tubular conduit connectingsaid channel means to a point on said inflatable collar between saidinner and outer diameter of said first annular member.
 11. A fecal bagfor use in the continuous collection of feces from the rectum,comprising,a. an inflatable collar for insertion into said rectum, saidinflatable collar including an inner surface and an outer surface,thereby forming a closed annular space therebetween, b. a continuouselongated tubular member having a first end and a second end, said firstend sealingly attached to said inner surface of said inflatable collar,so that said inner surface of said inflatable collar separates saidclosed annular space from said continuous elongated tubular member, c.bag means associated with the second end of said elongated tubularmember remote from said inflatable collar, so that said bag means isdisposed exterior to said rectum upon insertion of said inflatablecollar into said rectum, d. valve means for inflating said collar from apoint external to said rectum when said inflatable collar has beeninserted into said rectum, and e. channel means connecting said valvemeans to said inflatable collar, said channel means being located alongthe interior of said bag means and said elongated tubular member so thatsaid channel means does not contact said rectum upon insertion of saidinflatable collar into said rectum.
 12. The fecal bag of claim 11including means for providing an enema through the interior of saidelongated tubular member.
 13. The fecal bag of claim 12 wherein saidmeans for providing said enema includes channel means located along theinterior of said bag means and said elongated tubular member, and valvemeans associated with the end of said channel means remote from saidelongated tubular member.
 14. The fecal bag of claim 11 adapted forinsertion into a stoma.
 15. The fecal bag of claim 11 wherein saidelongated tubular member is sealingly attached to a single point on saidinner surface of said inflatable collar.
 16. The fecal bag of claim 11wherein said inflatable collar comprises a first annular member havingan inner diameter and an outer diameter, and a second annular memberhaving an inner diameter and an outer diameter, said inner diameters ofsaid first and second annular members being sealingly attached toadjacent points on said continuous elongated tubular member.
 17. Aurine-collecting bag for use in the continuous collection of urine froma female urethra, comprising,a. an inflatable collar for insertion intoa vagina, said inflatable collar including an inner diameter and anouter diameter, b. an elongated tubular member sealingly attached tosaid inner diameter of said inflatable collar, c. bag means associatedwith the end of said elongated tubular member remote from saidinflatable collar, so that said bag means is disposed exterior to saidvagina upon insertion of said inflatable collar into said vagina, d.valve means for inflating said collar from a point external to saidvagina when said inflatable collar has been inserted thereinto, e.channel means connecting said valve means to said inflatable collar,said channel means being located entirely within the interior of saidbag means and said elongated tubular member so that said channel meansdoes not contact said vagina upon insertion of said inflatable collarthereinto, and f. tube means disposed upon said elongated tubular memberfor insertion into said urethra upon insertion of said inflatable collarinto said vagina, so that urine is continuously collected from saidurethra and transmitted into said elongated tubular member and said bagmeans upon insertion of said inflatable collar into said vagina.
 18. Theurine collecting bag of claim 17 wherein said tube means comproses asemi-rigid tubular member disposed through the wall of said elongatedmember.